Modules creating magnetic anchorage assemblies and relevant assemblies

ABSTRACT

A module ( 1, 16, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54, 100 ) for the creation of assemblies comprising at one active magnetic element of attraction ( 2, 3, 17, 23, 33, 34, 42, 47, 48 ) and a least one ferromagnetic element ( 6, 21, 22, 30, 40, 44 ) suitable for defining areas ( 13, 14, 35, 36, 88, 90, 80, 82, 110, 10, 250, 260, 92, 94 ) for connection to other modules, with it is possible to create an assembly of modules ( 1, 16, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54, 100, 37, 15 ) which provides a magnetic circuit which closes totally or at least partially via the ferromagnetic elements present ( 6, 21 22, 30, 40, 44, 55, 104, 37, 15 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modules which can be coupled to formassemblies which can be used in various technical fields, for examplefor creating assemblies for games or education, furnishing accessoriesin the form of ornaments, models of molecule aggregates, patterns,stages, stage-set structures and many other uses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Modules in a permanently magnetic material are known and used for singleapplications and not for the assembly of many modules. These permanentmagnet modules are used for example in chess and draughts, whosemagnetic pieces rest on a ferromagnetic chessboard, in magnetic boardsformed by letters and/or numbers which can be attached magnetically on aferromagnetic sheet to form texts, and in components of various shapesprovided individually with magnets which can be coupled on aferromagnetic sheet to form two-dimensional figures of animals etc.

These magnetic applications, available on the market, are not based onthe coupling of several magnetic modules but simply on the possibilityof creating two-dimensional figures, placing the various modulesadjacently on a ferromagnetic sheet whereon the single modules areindividually short-circuited.

Systems are also known for forming three-dimensional structures whichexploit the interlinking of various modules. Modules of various shapesexist, but in general they are prisms with a substantially rectangularplan, formed by a matrix in plastic and by magnetic coupling insertsplaced on one or more outline surfaces. The magnetic inserts can beformed by magnetic points with a regular shape, for example square orcircular, symmetrically arranged in rows, or by magnetic films withstrip magnetisation of alternating polarity.

One of the more serious limits of traditional modules is represented bythe fact of having to observe “rules” of assembly which are excessivelyrestrictive and penalising, above all in view of the number of totalcompositions which can be made.

In respect of the eight faces of the prism which are potentiallyavailable for connection, only some of them, and limited to small areas,are effectively active. More particularly two modules with punctiforminserts can at times be connected only if a predetermined number ofcorresponding rows of magnetic points are superimposed, with the furtherrequisite that these rows of corresponding magnetic points must faceeach other with opposite magnetic polarity. In other cases connectionbetween the upper face of a module and the lower one of another ispossible, but connection between lateral faces or vice versa isexcluded. In other cases the connection between faces depends on apredetermined reciprocal positioning of the modules, and it is thereforeonly possible by overturning one, that is to say by exchanging its upperface with the lower one, the other one remaining unchanged.

Apart from the coupling restrictions, traditional modules are alsoheavily affected by those caused by the low yield of the magneticcircuit which they originate, i.e. by the percentage of magnetic energyexploited for connection of the modules in relation to the totalinstalled energy.

The high flux dispersion which occurs along the whole magnetic circuitdoes not enable the installed energy to be exploited in full. This eventgains in importance as the complexity of the structure to be builtincreases, given that assembly of an increasing number of modules causesa gradual accumulation of gaps. In order to obtain composite shapeswhich are arranged differently but solid, for example cantileveredstructures, the magnetic field sources have to be oversized, and theconsequent higher need for magnetic material entails a considerableincrease in weight of the overall structure and an inevitable increasein costs.

In the case wherein the magnetic inserts are formed by magnetised filmswith alternating polarity strips, there is additionally the furtherdisadvantage of the fact that the active magnetic area for connection,per coupling surface unit, is very limited and the magnetic materialused must necessarily have a low coercive force.

Traditional assembly modules also contribute to the creation of spatialfigures which are never magnetically neutral, that is to say spatialfigures which can interact appreciably with the surrounding environmentand cause situations of real danger. This problem is for exampleparticularly felt in applications for children, where the modules in theform of magnetic bricks can “attract” ferrous materials scatteredaround, for example needles, pins or nails.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore that of providingmodules which can be reciprocally attached to form complex assemblieswhich allow the disadvantages of prior systems to be eliminated.

Another object of the present invention is that of providing assemblymodules such as to be rapidly and easily assembled to form a complexassembly and which are also suitable for being disengaged equally easilyand rapidly.

Another object of the present invention is that of providing assemblymodules which allow extremely stable three-dimensional constructions tobe obtained.

According to the invention the foregoing objects are achieved thanks tomodules and to their assembly according to any one of the independentclaims attached.

In this case assembly defines, for the magnetic flux produced by themagnetic inserts, an appropriate circuit wherein the overall gap, thatis to say the amount of the path of the magnetic flux which develops ina non-magnetic material, is only that, required by the possible shape ofthe modules, by layers with a high friction coefficient or generated byconstructional tolerances, which may be created between the two couplingfaces of two adjacent modules.

In accordance with the present invention permanently magnetic modulesare provided with ferromagnetic yoke and ferromagnetic modules whosecombination enables the magnetic flux to be short-circuited completelyor at least partially.

The presence of ferromagnetic yokes allows the total number of magneticmodules to be increased as required without thereby increasing at thesame rate the overall gap present in the construction.

The magnets which generate the magnetic flux are placed in series andshort-circuited by the ferromagnetic yokes in such a way that everyadditional insertion of modules in the magnetic circuit increases theavailability of total coercivity for the structure and consequentlycontributes to tackling the reluctances which may be present in themagnetic circuit.

Complete use of the magnetic voltages installed allows, on a par withthe magnetic material used, a higher force of attraction between themodules.

It is also clear that the short-circuiting which can be achieved byappropriately combining the modules enables, again on a par with themagnetic material used, more flexible and complex structures withunusual shapes to be built, given that the greater force of cohesionconsiderably increases self-support thereof.

Another diversifying and advantageous aspect is definitely the fact thatthe permanently magnetic modules with ferromagnetic yoke and the totallyferromagnetic modules are partially or very often totally free of theobligation of being subjected to any predetermined positioning in orderto be reciprocally connected and, on the contrary, continuous movementof one module on the other is made possible without interruption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further advantageous aspects of our invention are made evenclearer by reading the description which refers to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein the sections of ferromagnetic parts are represented bya series of thin oblique lines, the sections of parts of thenon-magnetic matrix are represented by a series of alternately thick andthin oblique lines, while the letters n and s denote the north pole andthe south pole of a magnet, and the circuit of the magnetic flux istraced by dotted lines.

FIGS. 1 and 1d represent sections of permanently magnetic modulesaccording to the present invention, and FIGS. 1a and 1 b somepossibilities of short-circuiting of the magnetic flux by combining themodules of FIG. 1 one with the other or with ferromagnetic modules;

FIGS. 2 and 3 represent sections of other examples of permanentlymagnetic modules in accordance with the present invention and FIG. 1c apossible short-circuiting of the magnetic flux using modules of FIG. 3in combination with ferromagnetic modules;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a section of a single permanently magneticmodule and the relevant assemblies according to other embodiments whichallow complete short-circuiting of the magnetic flux;

FIG. 6 illustrates an assembly, according to a possible embodiment ofthe present invention, wherein the magnetic elements of a module areremovable;

FIG. 7 illustrates another assembly according to a further embodiment ofthe present invention wherein it is possible to move one module onanother with continuity;

FIG. 8 shows a further assembly according to yet another embodiment ofthe present invention wherein the resultant structure does not interactmagnetically with the external environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The permanently magnetic module 1 of FIG. 1 comprises two upper 2 andrespectively lower 3 cylindrical magnetic elements housed inside slots 4and respectively 5, formed on the opposite bases of a cylindricalferromagnetic yoke 6. The slots 4 and 5 are also cylindrical but moreextended radially than the magnets 2 and 3 in order to define aninterspace 70 between the lateral walls of the upper and lower magnets 2and 3 respectively and the lateral walls of the corresponding slots 4and 5. The magnets 2 and 3 have axes of magnetic polarisation parallelto the axis of the yoke 6 and are connected in series via theferromagnetic yoke 6.

The core formed by the two magnets 2 and 3 and by the ferromagnetic yoke6 is integrated in a non-magnetic matrix 7 with a hollow cylinder shapeand open at the bases to leave uncovered the polar surfaces 13 and 14 ofthe magnets 2 and 3 and the upper 10 and lower 110 edges of theferromagnetic yoke 6 for the connection to other modules.

The use of the module 1 offers the opportunity of making assemblies oftwo, three or more units with other modules of the same type or withanother type of module so as to achieve in any case short-circuiting ofthe magnetic flux as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1 b, 1 c and 1 d.

By using two units it is possible to short-circuit the flux by means ofthe anchorage of two identical modules 1′ and 1″ wherein the contactmagnets 3′ and 2″ are superimposed with opposite polarity (FIG. 1a). AsFIG. 1a also shows, the external polar surfaces 12′ and 11″ in contactof the modules 1′ and 1″ represent a first type of directly active areasfor the reciprocal connection of the same modules 1′ and 1″. The upperend edge 10′ of the ferromagnetic yoke 6′ is polarised by the magnetspresent both in the module 1′ and in the module 1″ with which 1′ comesinto contact, and thus determines a second type of area, this timeactivated by induction, intended for connection to the module 1″. Awholly similar process is simultaneously undergone by the edge 10″ ofthe module 1″. The magnetic flux originating from the internal polarsurface 13″ of the module 1″ runs towards the ferromagnetic interior 6″of the same module, deviates towards the edge 10″, traverses insuccession the edge 10″ and then 10′ to close finally the magneticcircuit, re-entering from the polar surface 14′ of the module 1′. Theinterspace 70′ and 70″ respectively eliminates possible short-circuitingof the flux between the lateral walls of the slots 5′ and 4″ with thelateral walls of the magnets 3′ and 2″ respectively.

Alternatively a module 1′″ can be anchored with a different module, forexample a spherical ferromagnetic module 15 (FIG. 1b).

In order to create an assembly, magnetically neutral overall, of twoelements alone, in accordance with another preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 1d, modules 16 and 16′ with one single magnet 17 and 17′, can beused, obtained by imagining shearing module 1 at right angles along theline 1 d-1 d. In this case the uncovered polar surfaces of opposite sign18 and 18′ of the modules 16 and 16′ can engage reciprocally or with aferromagnetic module.

An assembly of three units wherein a permanently magnetic module 1 isused, can be obtained by anchoring a respective identical module 1 onboth faces of coupling 8 and 9, so that all the magnets are in series,or by anchoring, again so that all the magnets are in series, anidentical module on one face and a ferromagnetic module, for examplespherical, on the other coupling face, or finally by anchoring on thetwo faces 8 and 9 a respective ferromagnetic module, for example of thespherical type mentioned above.

An assembly of more than three units can be obtained by insertion of themodule 1 in a complex of modules which are identical yet arranged withmagnets in series and in contact by means of the interposition offerromagnetic modules of various shapes, although spherical in thepresent embodiment, in order to create any succession of permanentlymagnetic and ferromagnetic modules along a closed line which enclosestotally the magnetic flux circuit.

According to a different embodiment the core of another permanentlymagnetic module denoted by 19 in FIG. 2 is obtained by interposing amagnet 20 between two identical rectangular ferromagnetic sectors 21 and22 which cover completely the opposite polar surfaces 23 and 24 thereofand which project from the edges of the polar surfaces 23 and 24 so asto define polar extensions 25 and 26. The edges 250 and 260 of thepolarised polar extensions 25 and 26 define therefore areas activated bymeans of induction by the magnet 20 for the magnetic connection to othermodules. The core of the module 19 is contained in a non-magneticcoating 27 with prismatic shape and square section which only leavesuncovered the active ferromagnetic areas outlined by the edges of thepolar extensions 25 and 26. Polarisation of the magnet 20 is finally atright angles to the axis of the two sectors 21 and 22.

A module 19 allows short-circuiting of the magnetic flux for a minimumstructure formed by assembling two units, wherein on one of the twoopposite extensions 25 and 26 an identical module or a ferromagneticmodule, for example spherical, is anchored, or for a structure composedof at least three units chosen from among modules 19 and ferromagneticmodules, for example spherical, and comprising, accordingly, one, two orthree identical permanently magnetic modules 19. In FIG. 3, inaccordance with a further preferred embodiment, a permanently magneticmodule 28 is represented, housed in a non-magnetic matrix 29 with aprism shape and circular section. The core is formed by a smallferromagnetic cylinder 30 whose opposite bases exactly match the polarsurfaces 31 and 32 of opposite sign of two magnets 33 and 34. The twomagnets 33 and 34 are magnetised parallel to the axis of the smallcylinder 30 and their same uncovered poles 35 and 36 directly define anactive area for the connection with other possible modules which in thiscase is the maximum which can be obtained per unit of surface. With thepresent embodiment short-circuiting of the magnetic flux is obtained viaat least three identical modules 28 arranged with magnets in series,distanced in this case by spherical ferromagnetic modules 37, so as toobtain a triangular structure closed overall, wholly evident in FIG. 1c.

The low flux dispersion which is obtained in the assembling of modules1, 19 and 28 and the characteristic arrangement in series of themagnets, indicated for example in FIG. 1c, increases the number ofdesign choices and optimises the type and quantity of material to beused for the magnetic elements.

Recalling that the force of cohesion is proportional to the square ofthe intensity of magnetic flux, it is clear therefore that only onemagnetic circuit according to the present embodiments, wherein theferromagnetic elements 6, 21, 22, 30 and 37 preferentially convey themagnetic flux, can achieve, on a par with the magnets used, a greaterforce of cohesion between modules or, on a par with the force ofcohesion, less need for magnetic material.

The possibility of generating a concentrated force of cohesion with theuse of a minimum quantity of magnetic material then reduces as far aspossible the gravitational limits in view of a complex and largeconstruction, with reference for example to a stage-set structure, or toa support structure for marquees or stages. In similar circumstances,where human strength is not sufficient for disengaging the modules, itcould be foreseen to assign activation and de-activation of thestructure to electromagnetic systems wherein a solenoid is fed withcurrent circulating in one or the other direction or mechanical-manualsystems for magnetising or demagnetising a part during assembly ordisassembly of the structure.

FIG. 8 gives an example of the form of a possible composition 110 ofmodules 28 of FIG. 3 with spherical ferromagnetic modules which forms acompletely balanced magnetic grid structure, i.e. with a totallyshort-circuited magnetic flux and with fully combined magnetic voltages,for this reason not interacting in any way with the externalenvironment.

The modules 50 of FIG. 4 are formed by a rectangular plate 38 in anon-magnetic material whereon a first housing 39 is longitudinallyformed for a ferromagnetic bar with rectangular plan 40 and a secondhousing 41 for a rectangular magnet 42 polarised at right angles to theplane of the plate 38. The housing 41 is longitudinally adjacent to thefirst housing 39 and is placed at one end of the plate 38. The housings39 and 41 for the bar 40 and for the magnet 42 have a depth equal to thewhole thickness of the plate 38. The uncovered polar surfaces 88 and 90formed by the upper and lower bases of the magnet 42 and the upper 92and lower 94 surfaces respectively of the bar 40 represent directlyactive areas and respectively areas activated by magnetic induction formagnetic connection with adjacent modules.

The modules 52 of FIG. 5 are also formed by a plate 43 in non-magneticmaterial on the lower lateral wall 84 whereof a first housing islongitudinally formed, with depth equal to approximately half thethickness of the plate, for a ferromagnetic element 44 in the form of abar with a rectangular plan. A second 45 and a third 46 housing for twoidentical magnets 47 and 48, with however opposite direction ofmagnetisation, are provided on the upper lateral wall 86 of the plate 43at the opposite ends of the ferromagnetic element 44 so as to leaveuncovered only the polar surfaces 80 and 82 of the two magnets 47 and48.

FIGS. 4 and 5 also show by a dotted line how perfect short-circuiting ofthe flux is achieved, during the operation of assembly of the modules 50and 52, which traverses the sections of the ferromagnetic elements 40and 44. More particularly the non-magnetic layer 74 longitudinallyseparating the bar 40 from the magnet 42 and the non-magnetic layer 76which divides the two magnets 47 and 48 allows the flux emerging from apole of the magnet 42 and 47 respectively to close on the remaining poleof opposite sign and respectively on the pole of opposite sign of themagnet 48 only after having traversed the sections of the ferromagneticbars 40 and 44 respectively of the adjacent modules 50 and 52respectively.

Given that the modules 50 and 52 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 have available,compared to any other solution known today, greater energy for achievingreciprocal engagement, the need for embodiments with dimensioning insidewith extremely narrow tolerances is reduced.

It is therefore possible to cover with a layer of non-magnetic materialthe polar surfaces of coupling of the magnets 42, 47 and 48 and theuncovered surfaces of the ferromagnets 40 and 44 for purely aestheticneeds and for hygiene purposes, and to increase the forces of frictionbetween the various modules 50 and 52.

More particularly it can thus be derided to apply to a core comprisingone or more magnets and a ferromagnetic yoke or to a solelyferromagnetic core a non-magnetic coating to form a module of therequired shape, for example bar, cubic, octagonal and so on.

The complete non-magnetic covering of the core also avoids, in theapplications for children, the risk of saliva contact directly with themagnetic and/or ferromagnetic material.

When creating three-dimensional structures, particularly in heavier andmore complex structures, the overall stability is governed not only bythe force of cohesion but also by the force required for the sliding oftwo coupling surfaces. Thus part of the cohesion force, extremely highfor what has been said in the present embodiment, can be sacrificed bycovering the module with a thin layer of material with a high frictioncoefficient which, in view of an expected increase in the reluctance ofthe magnetic circuit, offers as a compensation a distinct improvement inthe sliding force.

The assembly of FIG. 6 has modules 54 with an elongated ferromagneticelement 55 wherein through holes 56 are formed in a longitudinalsequence for housing magnets 58. In this example the holes allowengaging and disengaging of magnets having nonmagnetic threading, a partor all of which can therefore be inserted or removed from the holes 56as required.

The embodiment in a removable engagement module, by appropriatemale/female coupling parts, of ferromagnetic elements and activemagnetic elements, one with the other and with the non-magnetic matrixwhich may be present, would naturally be possible in general also forany one of the modules described previously or for any other module inaccordance with the present invention.

The assembly of FIG. 7 comprises modules 150 with a totallyferromagnetic core 152, and modules 100 with a permanently magnetic core102 of the type for example shown in FIG. 1d, provided at the oppositeends of a ferromagnetic yoke 104, in turn elongated longitudinally andinserted in a non-magnetic bar 106.

The presence of ferromagnetic parts in the units 100 allows the flux tobe conveyed without high dispersions, but above all it avoids theobligation of appropriately positioning the units 100 one in respect ofthe other as indicated by the arrows which give an example of thepossible relative displacements between modules, thus increasing thenumber of shapes which can be achieved, given that each ferromagneticportion of a unit 100, and not only the polar surfaces of a magnet 102,can provide points for the magnetic connection with other units 100.

The broad constructional tolerances which can be conceived withassemblies of modules in accordance with the present embodiments alsoopen up to the use of non-magnetic materials for environment-friendlycoverings such as wood, given that such precise machining operations, ascurrently performed, are not required, above all pressure dire-castingof plastic, and therefore makes way for applications also in the fieldof furnishing in addition to the typical one of games.

It must be understood that the preferred embodiments do not limit themore general principle claimed.

More particularly the same principle can also be extended to moduleswith different shapes from those described in the preferred embodimentsand obtained by integrating one or more active magnetic elements and/orone or more of the modules described above in a single unit, completelyferromagnetic, represented for example by part of the embodiment of FIG.6 denoted by 55, or partially ferromagnetic represented for example bythe ferromagnetic 104 and non-magnetic 106 parts of the embodiment ofFIG. 7.

The magnets moreover can if necessary be scattered according to apredetermined arrangement on one or also on several outline faces of thenon-magnetic matrix and the latter can at most have a polyhedralstructure with many faces.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: a plurality of a firsttype of modules (1, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54), each of said first type ofnodules (1, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54) comprising at least one active magneticelement (2 and 3, 20, 33 and 34, 42, 47 and 48, 58) having two polarsurfaces of opposite polarity, and at least one ferromagnetic element(6, 21 and 22, 30, 40, 44, 55), the at least one active magnetic elementand ferromagnetic element of each said first type of module beingarranged to define at least two magnetically active areas, each of whichcan be magnetically anchored co a corresponding said magnetically activearea of another said first type of module, so that a plurality of saidfirst types of modules can be chained together infinitely, to constructan assembly defining a magnetic circuit; wherein a magnetic fluxgenerated by the active magnetic elements in the assembly is shortcircuited at least partially via said at least one ferromagnetic element(6, 21 and 22, 30, 40, 44, 55); wherein the magnetic flux generated bythe magnetic potential differences of the active magnetic elements (2and 3, 20, 33 and 34, 42, 47 and 48, 58) in a series connection of saidmodules of a first type of modules (1, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54) produces aseries magnetic circuit extending through the series connection of saidfirst type of modules; and wherein the first type of modules of theassembly are assembled so that said magnetic circuit provides the bestmagnetomotive force/magnetic reluctance ratio.
 2. A module of a firsttype of modules (1, 28, 50, 52, 54) comprising at least one activemagnetic element (2 and 3, 33 and 34, 42, 47 and 48, 58), that is anelement having two polar surfaces of opposite polarity, and at least oneferromagnetic element (6, 30, 40, 44, 55) for an assembly according toclaim 21, characterized in that it has an elongated structure alongwhich said at least an active magnetic element (2 and 3, 33 and 34, 42,47 and 48, 58) and said at least one ferromagnetic element (6, 30, 40,44, 55) are arranged, and in that it defines at least two magneticallyactive areas whereto corresponding modules of the assembly can beanchored.
 3. A module of a first type of modules according to claim 2,characterized in that said at least two magnetically active areas(35,36) are all provided by said at least one active magnetic element(33,34).
 4. A module of a first type of modules according to claim 2,characterized in that said at least two magnetically active areas(250,260) are all provided by said at least one ferromagnetic element(21,22).
 5. A module of a first type of modules according to claim 2,characterized in that a part (88,90) of said at least two magneticallyactive areas is provided by said at least one active magnetic element(42), and a part (92,94) by said at least one ferromagnetic element(40).
 6. A module according to claim 2, characterized in that itconsists of one ferromagnetic element in the form of an elongatedcylindrical ferromagnetic yoke (6,30) and of two active magneticelements in the form of an upper cylindrical magnet (2, 33) and a lowercylindrical magnet (3, 34), said upper magnet (2, 33) and lower magnet(3, 34) being connected in series by the interposition of saidcylindrical yoke (6,30).
 7. A module according to claim 6, characterizedin that at the upper and lower bases of said yoke (6) an upper (4) andrespectively lower (5) slot is formed for housing said upper (2) andrespectively lower (3) magnets, the lateral walls of said upper (4) andlower (5) slots being provided distanced from the lateral walls of saidupper (2) and respectively lower (3) magnets.
 8. A module of the firsttype according to claim 2, characterized in that it consists of twoferromagnetic elements in the form of a first (21) and a second (22)rectangular ferromagnetic sector, and of one active magnetic element inthe form of a rectangular magnet (20) whose two polar surfaces (23, 24)are totally covered by a wall of said first sector (21) and the other bya wall of said second ferromagnetic sector (22), and said first (21) andsecond (22) sectors projecting from said polar surfaces (23, 24) in thedirection orthogonal to the axis of polarization of the rectangularmagnet (20).
 9. A module of the first type for an assembly according toclaim 2, characterized in that it consists of one ferromagnetic elementin form of one substantially rectangular ferromagnetic bar (40), and ofone magnetic active element in form of one a magnet (42), alsorectangular, which has equal thickness in relation to the ferromagneticbar (40) and which is separated longitudinally from the bar (40) by alayer of non magnetic material, said magnet being polarizedperpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the module.
 10. Amodule according to claim 2, characterized in that it consists of oneferromagnetic element in the form of a substantially rectangularferromagnetic bar (44) and of two magnetic active elements in form of afirst (47) and a second (48) substantially rectangular magnet polarizedperpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the module and arrangedwith opposite polarization above the opposite ends of the ferromagneticelement (44) in order to be connected in series via said ferromagneticelement (44).
 11. A module according to claim 2, characterized in thatit consists of one ferromagnetic element in form of an elongatedferromagnetic integration unit (55) and of a plurality of magneticactive elements in form of a plurality of longitudinally aligned magnets(58) inserted in corresponding housing (56) provided along the length ofsaid integration unit (55), said plurality of longitudinally alignedmagnets (58) being polarized perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis ofthe elongated ferromagnetic integration unit (55).
 12. A moduleaccording to claim 2, characterized in that a removable engagement isprovided between said at least one magnetic active element (2 and 3, 33and 34, 42, 47 and 48, 58) and said at least one ferromagnetic element(6, 30, 40, 44, 55).
 13. A module according to claim 12, characterizedin that a removable engagement is further provided between said at leastone ferromagnetic element (6, 30, 40, 44, 55) and a non magnetic matrix(7, 29, 74, 76, 106) wherein said at least one active magnetic element(2 and 3, 33 and 34, 42, 47 and 48, 58) and said at least oneferromagnetic element (6, 30, 40, 44, 55) are inserted.
 14. A module forthe creation of assemblies according to claim 12, characterized in thatsaid removable engagement is formed with mechanical engaging parts ofthe male/female type.
 15. An assembly resulting from a combination ofpredetermined number of modules according to claim 12, characterized inthat it defines a means for a game activity or a furnishing accessory ora means for creating stage-set structures.
 16. A module of a second typeof modules (15, 37) consisting of one ferromagnetic element (15, 37) foran assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said oneferromagnetic element is a sphere (15, 37).
 17. An assembly comprising:a plurality of a first type of module (1, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54) comprisingat least an active magnetic element (2 and 3, 20, 33 and 34, 42, 47 and48, 58) having two polar surfaces of opposite polarity, and at least oneferromagnetic element (6, 21 and 22, 30, 40, 44, 55), a plurality of asecond type of module (15,37) consisting of one ferromagnetic elementinserted in a non magnetic covering matrix, wherein the assembly definesa magnetic circuit in which each of the modules of the first and of thesecond type defines at least two magnetically active areas, each ofwhich can be magnetically anchored to a corresponding said magneticallyactive area of another module of the first or second type, so that thefirst and second types of modules can be chained together infinitely;wherein a magnetic flux generated by the active magnetic elements of theassembly (2 and 3, 20, 33 and 34, 42, 47 and 48, 58) is closed at leastpartially via said at least one ferromagnetic element (6, 21 and 22, 30,40, 44, 55) of said modules of a first type of modules (1, 19, 28, 50,52, 54) and via said one ferromagnetic element (15,37) of said modulesof a second type of modules (15,37); wherein magnetic potentialdifferences produced in said magnetic circuit by the active magneticelements (2 and 3, 20, 33 and 34, 42, 47 and 48, 58) involved inanchorage of said modules of a first (1, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54) and second(15,37) type of modules are connected together in series via said atleast one ferromagnetic element of said first type of modules and viasaid one ferromagnetic element of said modules of the second type; andwherein the modules of the assembly are assembled so that said magneticcircuit provides the best magnetomotive force/magnetic reluctance ratio.18. A module of a second type of modules (15,37) consisting of oneferromagnetic element (15,37) for an assembly according to claim 17,characterized in that said one ferromagnetic element is a sphere(15,37).
 19. A module of a first type of modules (1, 28, 50, 52, 54)comprising at least one active magnetic element (2 and 3, 33 and 34, 42,47 and 48, 58), that is an element having two polar surfaces of oppositepolarity, and at least one ferromagnetic element (6, 30, 40, 44, 55) foran assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that it has anelongated structure along which said at least an active magnetic element(2 and 3, 33 and 34, 42, 47 and 48, 58) and said at least oneferromagnetic element (6, 30, 40, 44, 55) are arranged, and in that itdefines at least two magnetically active areas whereto correspondingmodules of the assembly can be anchored.
 20. A module of a first type ofmodules according to claim 19, characterized in that said at least twomagnetically active areas (35, 36) are all provided by said at least oneactive magnetic element (33, 34).
 21. A module of a first type ofmodules according to claim 19, characterized in that saved at least twomagnetically active areas (250, 260) are all provided by said at leastone ferromagnetic element (21, 22).
 22. A module of a first type ofmodules according to claim 19, characterized in that a part (88, 90) ofsaid at least two magnetically active areas is provided by said at leastone active magnetic element (42), and a part (92, 94) by said at leastone ferromagnetic element (40).
 23. A module according to claim 19,characterized in that it consists of one ferromagnetic element in theform of an elongated cylindrical ferromagnetic yoke (6, 30) and of twoactive magnetic elements in the form of an upper cylindrical magnet (2,33) and a lower cylindrical magnet (3, 34), said upper magnet (2, 33)and lower magnet (3, 34) being connected in series by the interpositionof said cylindrical yoke (6, 30).
 24. A module according to claim 23,characterized in that at the upper and lower bases of said yoke (6) anupper (4) and respectively lower (5) slot is formed for housing saidupper (2) and respectively lower (3) magnets, the lateral walls of saidupper (4) and lower (5) slots being provided distanced from the lateralwalls of said upper (2) and respectively lower (3) magnets.
 25. A moduleof the first type according to claim 19, characterized in that itconsists of two ferromagnetic elements in the form of a first (21) and asecond (22) rectangular ferromagnetic sector, and of one active magneticelement in the form of a rectangular magnet (20) whose two polarsurfaces (23, 24) are totally covered by one a wall of said first sector(21) and the other by a wall of said second ferromagnetic second (22),and said first (21) and second (22) sectors projecting from said polarsurfaces (23, 24) in the direction orthogonal to the axis ofpolarization of the rectangular magnet (20).
 26. A module of the firsttype for an assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that itconsists of one ferromagnetic element in the form of one substantiallyrectangular ferromagnetic bar (40) , and of one magnetic active elementin the form of one a magnet (42), also rectangular, which has equalthickness in relation to the ferromagnetic bar (40) and which isseparated longitudinally from the bar (40) by a layer of non magneticmaterial, said magnet being polarized perpendicularly to thelongitudinal extension of the module.
 27. A module according to claim19, characterized in that it consists of one ferromagnetic element inthe form of a substantially rectangular ferromagnetic bar (44) and oftwo magnetic active elements in the form of a first (47) and a second(48) substantially rectangular magnet polarized perpendicularly to thelongitudinal extension of the module and arranged with oppositepolarization above the opposite ends of the ferromagnetic element (44)in order to be connected in series via said ferromagnetic element (44).28. A module according to claim 19, characterized in that it consists ofone ferromagnetic element in the form of an elongated ferromagneticintegration un,it (55) and of a plurality of magnetic active elements inthe form of a plurality of longitudinally aligned magnets (58) insertedin corresponding housing (56) provided along the length of saidintegration unit (55), said plurality of longitudinally aligned magnets(58) being polarized perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of theelongated ferromagnetic integration unit (55).
 29. A module according toclaim 19, character; zed in that a removable engagement is providedbetween said at least one magnetic active element (2 and 3, 33 and 34,42, 47 and 48, 58) and said at least one ferromagnetic element (6, 30,40, 44, 55).
 30. A module according to claim 29, characterized in that aremovable engagement is further provided between said at least oneferromagnetic element (6, 30, 40, 44, 55) and a non magnetic matrix (7,29, 74, 76, 106) wherein said at least one active magnetic element (2and 3, 33 and 34, 42, 47 and 48, 58) and said at least one ferromagneticelement (6, 30, 40, 44, 55) are inserted.
 31. A module for the creationof assemblies according to claim 29, characterized in that saidremovable engagement is formed with mechanical engaging parts of themale/female type.
 32. An assembly resulting from a combination ofpredetermined number of modules according to claim 29, characterized inthat it defines a means for a game activity or a furnishing accessory ora means for creating stage-set structures.
 33. An assembly comprising: aplurality of a first type of module (1, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54) comprisingat least an active magnetic element (2 and 3, 20, 33 and 34, 42, 47 and48, 58) having two polar surfaces of opposite polarity, and at east oneferromagnetic element (6, 21 and 22, 30, 40, 44, 55), a plurality of asecond type of module (15,37) consisting of one ferromagnetic element,wherein the assembly defines a magnetic circuit in which each of themodules of the first and of the second type defines at least twomagnetically active areas, each of which can one magnetically anchoredto a corresponding said magnetically active area of another module ofthe first or second type, so that the first and second types of modulescan be chained together infinitely; wherein a magnetic flux generated bythe active magnetic elements of the assembly (2 and 3, 20, 33 and 34,42, 47 and 48, 58) is closed at least partially via said at least oneferromagnetic element (6, 21 and 22, 30, 40, 44, 55) of said modules ofa first type of modules (1, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54) and via said oneferromagnetic element (15,37) of said modules of a second type ofmodules (15,37); wherein magnetic potential differences produced in saidmagnetic circuit by the active magnetic elements (2 and 3, 20, 33 and34, 42, 47 and 48, 58) involved in anchorage of said modules of a first(1, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54) and second (15,37) type of modules are connectedtogether in series via said at least one ferromagnetic element of saidfirst type of modules and via said one ferromagnetic element of saidmodules of the second type; and wherein the modules of the assembly areassembled so that said magnetic circuit provides the best magnetomotiveforce/magnetic reluctance ratio.